Retired President Daniel Moi mourns death of former Kenya’s Ambassador to US, Dr Benjamin Kipkorir

Kenya: Former President Daniel Moi has sent a message of condolence to the family of former Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) chairman Dr Benjamin Kipkorir, who died Wednesday morning in Nairobi, after illness.

 

Moi said he was saddened by the loss of Kipkorir, who was also Kenya’s former ambassador to the United States.

 

“Kipkorir made tremendous contribution to the country in all the capacities he served in and death has robbed this country of a valuable son,” Moi said.

The former president said Kipkorir, during his time as the chairman of KCB, spearheaded the opening of the bank’s branches all over the country, which spurred economic growth.

He added that during his reign as Kenya’s ambassador to the US, the late Kipkorir represented the country well and strengthened the ties between the two countries.

Moi also appreciated the role Kipkorir played as a lecturer at the University of Nairobi, contributing to the human resource base in the country today.

“One of the greatest legacies Kipkorir has left is manifested in the number of students he taught at the University of Nairobi. The students are now serving this country in various capacities all over the republic,” the former Head of State said.

Moi said he has known Kipkorir since 1950’s when he taught him at Tambach and realised he was a diligent person, who gave his best in service.

“I taught him in Tambach in the 1950’s. He served diligently whenever he was called upon,” said Moi.

Kipkorir, who was born in Elgeyo-Marakwet in 1939, also served in various government commissions as secretary, while a lecturer at the university.

He served on several panels and bodies, notably the Armed Forces Pay and Allowance Review Board and the Presidential Working Party on the Second University and Development Bank.

He received his early education at the Alliance High School before proceeding to Makerere University College where upon obtaining his B.A. degree, he joined the Sirikwa County Council as Deputy County Clerk. 

In September 1966, he proceeded to Cambridge University for his post-graduate studies, and graduated with a Ph. D. degree on a thesis on the Alliance High School and the Making of an African Elite in Kenya in 1970. 

He returned to Kenya in December 1969, joining the Department of History at the University College, Nairobi, first as a Special Lecturer, becoming a full Lecturer in January 1970. 

He rose to the rank of a senior lecturer at the department in 1973 and was appointed Director of the Institute of African Studies in September, 1977, a post he held until September, 1983, when he was appointed Chairman of Kenya Commercial Bank.

Moi prayed to God to give the bereaved family the necessary fortitude to bear the loss.